Averting a Plaque Attack in Peoria and Surprise AZ!

At Affiliated Orthodontics we understand gum disease can become a big problem for people as they grow older. Luckily, it doesn’t just happen by accident, and if you know a little about what causes it, you’ll be better able to avoid it in the long run.

As unpleasant as it may be to think about, our mouths aren’t the cleanest places in the world. As food is eaten, the remnants left on teeth form a sticky substance known as plaque, which is full of bacteria. If you brush your teeth and floss regularly, most of this plaque is removed. (A quick word of caution about brushing: be gentle with your gums when you brush, because overly vigorous brushing can actually contribute to gum disease over time!)

However, if you aren’t regular with your brushing and flossing, the plaque collects near the gum line and hardens into tartar, the next step on the road to gum disease. If your teeth are crooked or crowded, it may be too difficult to remove the plaque the way you should, and the tartar can develop in hard to reach places despite your best efforts. Regular dental cleanings are very important to remove any tartar that has built up for whatever reason, since brushing and flossing alone can’t take care of it.

If tartar is not dealt with, over a period of time the gums may actually pull away from the teeth. This movement creates a space called a periodontal pocket, which is seriously bad news. The extra room is a ready-made home for more plaque and tartar, which then becomes even more difficult to get rid of. At this point, if left untreated, your gums will become red and swollen, the telltale early signs of gum disease, also known as gingivitis.

As gingivitis progresses, you can eventually suffer bone loss in your jaw. This, in turn, makes your teeth wobbly because they don’t have the support that they need to stay solidly in place. Eventually, they can even fall out, a fate no one wants.

Orthodontics plays a special role in the prevention of gingivitis. Remember how crooked or crowded teeth can make the plaque and tartar difficult to get rid of? Orthodontics, which is a special branch of dentistry, can fix this problem. By straightening the teeth out and ensuring that they are spaced properly, brushing and flossing become more effective at removing plaque. This can be achieved through braces, retainers, and other corrective appliances according to each person’s individual need.

If you have hard time fitting floss in between your teeth, you are probably a good candidate for orthodontics. Affiliated Orthodontics can straighten healthy teeth at any age, so there is no reason not to seek orthodontic treatment just because you’re an adult. In fact, about 1 in 4 orthodontic patients today are adults.

The team at Affiliated Orthodontics will work hand in hand with your dentist to prevent periodontal disease if crowding of teeth makes proper cleaning difficult or after the problem is under control to prevent reoccurrence. Contact our office for a free evaluation to determine how we can best help you maintain a healthy smile. Gum disease can become a big problem for people as they grow older. Luckily, it doesn’t just happen by accident, and if you know a little about what causes it, you’ll be better able to avoid it in the long run.

We love this office! We are always greeted by Diana's smile and positive attitude right when we walk through the door and she is always quick to assist. Lori is very knowledgeable, great with our questions and very kind. Irene is always great with my girls and makes them feel comfortable at each appointment. She always does the best job and I trust that my girls are getting the best work with her. These ladies are awesome!

James Noble

5 out of 5 stars

posted 1 week ago

Dr. Chris Teeters is one of the most skilled, kind, caring and professional persons you can meet. If you are looking for a trusted, accomplished orthodontist who will provide the most comprehensive care and obtain outstanding results in a warm environment, look no further than Dr. Teeters. He gets my highest recommendation!

Roxanna Schwindy

5 out of 5 stars

posted 1 week ago

I absolutely love this office, Dr. Davis is the best. We have been coming here for years and has made sure my daughter has the best dental care. Irene is the best, always so happy , always makes Samantha feel at ease when we go in. She is very gentle and makes sure my daughter is comfortable 😊. I could not have asked for a better orthodontics office for my kids 😊😊

Sana 1234

5 out of 5 stars

posted 3 months ago

Nicole and Irene are wonderful and hardworking young ladies. They took care of me all the way from the rubber band separators to now braces. They both took extra good care of me through pain and even while currently having braces. They are very gentle, sweet, and patient with me. I have never had such a sweet and caring dentist like them. I do 100 percent recommend both of them.